A magic moment

Getting ready to receive my diploma

So typical of Madie! Me and the kiddos after graduation

Before Graduation ceremony. Look at those nice nails :)

Gold and maroon cords represent Suma Cum Lad 3.8-4.0

The purple and green cord is representing the Honor Society I was a part of; KDP

Me and my sista's after graduation. I thought I got a picture of the Russell's who came. I guess I didn't ask quick enough.

On May 14, 2010 after 6 years of schooling I finally reached my goal! Graduated from ASU at the Wells Fargo Arena on main campus. It was an unbelievable experience and perfect closer for the whole daunting task of schooling for a BA. It has not been easy from all the hiccups life has given us but my family was a huge support and I THANK THEM very much! Jay has been awesome to step up these last two years, epsecially when he has had to endure so much pain due to his back.  The intense program was something (he was not ready for).  It's a new turning page for our family, for me to help support the family financially.  There will always be stress in our life and this will be a different kind of stress.

On May 11th mixed emotions ran through us. Calm as a cucumber Jay laid patiently in the hospital bed for his procedure (not like him).  The hospital goofed by not getting the right equipment which bumped our time and room for surgery. Instead of him going into surgery 8:30 in the morning he had to wait until 6:00 pm. The surgery went very smooth and he did great. So while he waited I left to get my teaching certificate down the street at ASU . It was a marvelous event. I then went to lunch with my friend and pampered myself by getting my nails and feet done.  The massage was much needed.  I then came back to the hospital and we waited, and waited and waited.  He did great by not having any food since Monday night.  He came home on Sunday May 16th.  It is good to have him home and we feel very optomistic that he will start feeling better and feel that he has life again. Chronic pain is no fun and really makes you appreciate having good health!

Our way of entertaining ourselves...

                     Nothing like being snuggled up by these faces! What a hot hunk and sweet princess :)

What a classic! I just love Madie and Jay's face! Why I fell in love with him.

Where is Gila River?

Never been as far as Globe, AZ. I volunteered to be a driver for our youth to go to the open house for the Gila River temple.  I am so glad that I took that opportunity to do so! We started at the stake center (on the left) and walked over to the temple that is straight ahead.  The inside is absolutely goreous! So peaceful, calm, and eligant. 

Our next stop was Spencer W. Kimball's homestead in Thatcher, AZ.  That was a really cool house! The front room is still original and the rest of the house has been renovated here and there.  I love old homes and how they have character in them! This home was definitally for short people! I highly recommend the chance to get the tour. The front yard also had walnut and pecan trees, this entertained Madie when she got bored from the tour. We gathered up the nuts on the ground and counted them.

Our future missionary! What a handsome kid!

Hmm, maybe Drake is thinking about what Pres. Kimball was like when he is sitting in his chair! We went to a museum in Thatcher, AZ and in the music room there were a lot of cool antiques! A Thomas Eddison machine, an old organ that you had to pump to play music, and fun stories about Spencer W. Kimball.

We also caught a glimpse of Eastern Community College. I mentioned to Brock that he could attend that college. "It has a lot of mormon girls that are cute". He commented saying how that school reminded him of his elementary school in Pocatello, ID. I had to laugh, it's not that small!

The trauma...

April 2, 2010 My first child breaking a bone.

 Here is the proof of Madie's elbow broke. You can see her elbow on the top swollen, bruised, and ugly looking.  After 5 days of her arm in a splint and sling she received her blue cast.  It only lasted for another 5 days because I wanted to have a second opinion.  From the regular orthopedic to the pediatrican Orthopedic we did not need surgery (which was music to my ears)! However, we forgot the x-rays so Madie got to have the blue cast taken off for another set of x-rays and she decided to have a green one be put on in place of the blue. I never did get a picture of that cast. She was a great patient and a real trooper! Her cast is off now but she still needs to take it easy for 2 more weeks. She still baby's her arm too which lets me know that it is not completely healed.

The same weekend my husband is hobbling around the house with his back in the brace and on crutches barely walking. This is actually a better picture of him.  The surgery date is set for May 11th to hopefully get him to feel his legs again and not be in so much pain.

A memorable Easter...

Happy Easter everyone!  I have been blessed to teach four 7 year old children who will be turning 8 this year.  I was priviledged to teach them the lesson of Easter last Sunday. It was a neat experience to see their faces light up when they found out that Christ had Resurrected, after all this is the reason why we celebrate Easter. Later on in the week, as a family we discussed the accounts that led up to Christ's crucifixion and then Christ being resurrected.  Again the spirit testified to us that what happened to Christ is real, HE LIVES!

As I reflect back of Christ's sacrifices and what our family is going through during this time, I have stopped and thanked my heavenly father for the wonderful blessings he has blessed our family.  I know that this weekend is a trying time for me (emotionally) with Jay's back flared up again having to use the back brace and crutches, Madie just broke her arm Friday night, and Drake sprained his wrist the same night.  I stop and think how I have healthy active kids, this too will pass.  If I had a child who had a disability all the time, yes it too would pass but not as short as a broken arm.

Thank you Jesus for loving the world and being willing to follow God's plan and be our redemeer! I am forever greatful and in debt to you. You have been an amazing example to my life!

Cali trip...

I'm not going to say the typical thing of being "busy" to keep this blog updated but I have found some time so here are some of the latest events we have done as a family. We continue to be on the go to support our kids events, schooling, church calling, and work.  We are still trying to find the balance of life for ourselves, kids, church, and work. If any of you have found it please pass that little secret over to us.

Jan. we celebrated Madie's 6th birthday and Brock's 15th.

Then in February we ended Brock's basketball season and started up baseball season.

Madie earned a certificate for reading 100 books and received a Copper Trails t-shirt. Drake also received an award for being a good Citizenship.

Then in March we took a must needed family vacation and visited Southern California. From FB I found out that my dear friend from high school would be at Disneyland the same time so we met up at Downtown Disney and had a wonderful chat. Of course they are always too short. Then over onto Sea World I ran into one of the teachers that I have worked with at Copper Trails and one of Madie's classmates. What a small world. We also recognized people from our old Peoria ward but couldn't remember their names so we didn't say anything to them.

Enjoying being out of the car and catching some rays from California's sun.

Coming back 5 years later for the kids to enjoy this fantasy park once again.

Loving the characters and Madie getting their autographs.

The fam with the famous Mickey Mouse

Caught her in action screaming in the phone showing her true colors.

After getting wet he will still give me loves...

San Diego has redone the Mormon Battalion museum and it is awesome! We moved from room to room pretending we were the pioneers going through this course. Awesome history and also felt the spirit. The missionaries are so sweet. I thought I would love a mission like this here or in Nauvoo when I get older.  The kids are outside pan handling gold and found the fake gold. It was fun!

Jay and I walked the pier while the boys stayed on the beach to make a sand castle and throw wet sand at each other.  This pelican would swoop right by your head. I thought he was about to take it off or something. We watched one of the fisherman catch a sting ray and through it back into the sea. We also watched another fisherman bait his net for lobster. Couldn't wait any longer to see if he caught his lobster it was getting cold.

The next stop was Sea World. I had to get a picture of the kids in front of the Great White Shark. My kids would be an easy kill for them and all three could fit into his jaws. Scary!

The last stop is heading out to sea on a mini cruise boat to go whale watching. It was fun to see dolphins, whales, and sea lions out in the wild. I didn't get any good shots of what we experienced so here is the Lighthouse off in the distance to show proof that we were at sea. Very different from Sea World. It was very peaceful being out in the water but I have to say I did get motion sickness with the waves. I don't know if I can handle a big cruise ship in June. I will have to buy some meds for it. I have forgotten how green and lush California is and everywhere else from Phoenix. It was wonderful to be there and I'm so happy to be home. Of course the kids got on each others nerves by being in cramped quarters. Now Jay and I are definitally ready to get away from kids. I know I am! I'm with kids 24/7 and not just my own. Don't get me wrong, I love kids but the nerves can only handle so much. I marvel at the moms who have 4-6 children. My hat goes off to you!! 

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Time is ticking away as we have talked about going on a big excursion when I graduate and we are coming down to the wire.  We can't seem to make up our minds... First it's Hawaii, then Western Caribbean cruise, or Alaskan cruise, or Mexican cruise. Reguardless its some kind of cruise but which one? They all sound so much fun.  So if any of you have been on a cruise I would personally love your input, not to mention we still need to get our passports. HELP!

"Swish"

Brock in action his Freshman year at Verrado High.  The school opened up four years ago and this will be the first year of seniors graduating. He is loving life and their freshman basketball team has been very good. Just click on the picture to get a closer look. He is number 50 in the white/black jersey color.

The brighter pictures are in the home gym.  The dark picture is at Dysart high. This was our first and only game to attend at the very beginning to see him jump for the ball. Their record is 15 and 4. Pretty good for Verrado. Coaches are pushing Drake to follow suit because of the height we have for our family. I hope he does, even though he didn't try out for the 7th grade b-ball team. Hopefully we can get him up and running  next year.

Memories of losing teeth...

Remember the ways you lost your teeth?  Did you lose one at the movies? Well Madie is in the process of losing her teeth and last night we went to see Avatar. She says to me that she needs to go to the bathroom so I escort her to the bathroom, but she doesn't go into the stall. Instead she is looking in the mirror and playing with her tooth. I check it out and say, "Oh Madie its time to pull it out" so we did right there in the movie theatres bathroom. She always gets nervous about me pulling her teeth but there was no blood this time. She comes back into the Avatar movie at the best part  (the climax) wanting to show the boys and Jay her tooth while they have the 3D glasses. Crazy on when and where we lose our teeth. She has some good stories already.  I will post her jack-o-lattern smile soon...

How can this be?!?

Six years ago I was waiting for 13 hours to deliver Madie in the West Valley hospital.  I can't get over how quickly time goes and how I wanted Madie to not grow up so quickly knowing that she is my last baby... However, that was not on her agenda. She has been ready from the get go to be just as big as her brothers and do what they can do. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIE! I'm so glad that you are a part of our life and we will have you forever. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!